Metcalf becomes a Google school

Laptops, smart boards, iPads, and other technologies have become commonplace in Thomas Metcalf School classrooms. This fall the lab school took another step toward using technology for collaboration, multimedia, communication, and class management by becoming a Google school.

“Technology integration has grown over the last five years at Metcalf,” said Wes Matejka, Metcalf computer support specialist. “Five years ago, we had one device for every four students. Last year we were essentially one device for each student in a shared environment.”

Students use a computer at Thomas Metcalf School. (File photo)

Matejka began exploring technology options for Metcalf with school administrators and faculty as 150 devices used by students and faculty were scheduled to be decommissioned due to age.

Technologies ranging from Macs and iPads to Windows PCs were given consideration. However, Chrome, an Internet browser created by Google, was identified as the most viable option as it was cost friendly and allows for customization of applications, storage of documents, and seamless transition between devices by assigning accounts to students in a cloud-based environment.

“What we initially see with Google is a way to bring what we’re already doing in one system through to a cloud-based environment,” Metcalf Principal Amy Fritson-Coffman said. “We like that parents and students have one place to go to get information.”

Aside from the benefit of being able to access an identical environment containing learning tools, projects, and all apps used in classrooms on any device, whether they are at Metcalf or not, Matejka will also be able to manage the Chrome environment with greater ease than he could had Metcalf elected to pursue use of MacBooks or Windows PCs.

“Becoming a Google school allows you to remove the maintenance of a device and focus on curriculum and integration,” Matejka said. “Everything is in the cloud and tied to an account so it won’t matter where students log in. It will always be the same environment.”

The Google Chromebook.

Adopting the Chrome environment also means that every student from the fourth to eighth grades will be paired with a device, making Metcalf a true 1:1 school. More than 300 laptops previously used at U-High will be passed to Metcalf. Laptops will have only the Chrome browser installed. When these laptops are decommissioned, they will be replaced with Google Chromebooks, inexpensive, fast-booting machines specially designed for the Chrome environment.

Matejka will be able to install apps from Google’s robust app marketplace, many of which are free, ensuring that individual classes are able to access tools for word processing, mail, math, science, and even photo and video editing.

Students will have access to the device they are paired with all day, so long as it fits into current lessons, though only seventh- and eighth-graders will be allowed to take their devices home. Students are not required to purchase the device, but Metcalf will be assessing a $40 service fee to cover the costs of purchasing hardware, learning apps, and infrastructure upgrades necessary to efficiently run the new learning environment.

To prepare for the change, technical support staff have increased the wireless capabilities in classrooms that will serve students well into the future. Though the Chrome environment does not require Internet access to function, it does need a connection to update apps and save files on the cloud.

While schoolwide changes can be daunting, Coffman and the Metcalf faculty are optimistic about the opportunities a Chrome environment will bring.

“As a lab school, we feel it’s our responsibility to find what works well for teachers, students, and their learning and then shine a light on it so that other school districts see it as an option,” Coffman said. “In the past few years we’ve had to think about this mission in light of budget cuts. Google allows students amazing access to technology from almost anywhere due to the cloud base. The cost is low and the benefits are foreseen as very high. One of our goals this year as we pilot the Google Chrome is to see if this learning environment can surpass regular laptops that are loaded with software.”

Steven Barcus can be reached at srbarcu@IllinoisState.edu.